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USAF Releases Draft RFP for Huey Replacement

​Tactical response force airmen from the 741st Missile Security Forces Squadron practice an infiltration by a UH-1N at a mock launch facility July 6, 2016, at Malmstrom AFB, Mont. Air Force photo by SSgt. Delia Marchick.

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​The Air Force on Friday released a draft proposal to replace its UH-1N fleet, looking to buy 84 new helicopters to patrol missile fields. The draft request for proposals calls for responses by Dec. 16. The Air Force has said it will have a “full and open” competition for the new helicopters. Air Force Materiel Command will hold its second “industry day” Dec. 12-14 to solicit input from contractors, according to the announcement. The service previously held an industry day in September, with representatives from Bell Helicopter, Airbus, Boeing, Northrop Grumman, Sikorsky, and GE Aviation, among others, attending. A contract is expected to be awarded in Fiscal 2018. The service wants off-the-shelf replacements that could be delivered quickly after the award is issued.